Turning The Tables: Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly

Until technology advances to bring us the time machine, it’s safe to say that I won’t find any better proof of embracing the grace and style of Old Hollywood than Kelly Lee.

Kelly is behind the wildly colorful, stylish, and happy-making blog, Kelly Golightly, and her passion for bright interiors is matched only by a flair for all things old-school glamour. The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce put her on the cover of the city’s magazine, annointing her the “unofficial ambassador” of Palm Springs; Architectural Digest tapped her to cover the city for their Instagram; and her (and her husband’s) recreation of Slim Aarons’ iconic Poolside Gossip photo was featured in The New York Times.

I’m also lucky to count her as one of the people who have been so supportive of my work – I recently hosted her at luncheon, and loved getting to match her real-life loveliness with her on-screen charm.

I’m excited to share some of Kelly’s favorite people, places, things, (and, yes, flamingos). You’ll love the dose of pretty, and her sunny outlook. Especially as some of us head into the winter months, it felt like the perfect time for Palm Springs inspiration. Kelly, take it away…

When it comes to decorating “rules”: Is there such a thing and if so, is there one you constantly break?

I’m not big on rules, but I do believe in certain formulas that work time and time again. For me, that’s starting with a white backdrop and then adding in whatever makes you happy – in my world, that’s bright poppy hues and a mix of vintage and modern. And always a cheeky sense of humor. A little cheeky, a lot chic-y!

That said, the most dynamic designs come from breaking rules and shaking things up.

My belief is if you buy only things you love, you can always find a way to make them work with what you have – it’s that mix that makes things personal, unexpected, and fun. And decorating should always be fun!

Between now and February, 20 of the nation’s most prominent designers and tastemakers will be transforming our Spanish-style house into a mid-century-meets-Hollywood-Regency oasis and I cannot wait to see what transpires in their supremely talented hands. I also cannot believe I will get to live there when all is said and done – it’s a literal dream come true and total pinch-me moment!

I dream of a home that channels Slim Aarons, Audrey Hepburn, The Parker Palm Springs, The Avalon (formerly The Viceroy) Palm Springs, The Beverly Hills Hotel, La Scalinatella in Capri, with a hint of the Hamptons thrown in. We’ll see what transpires! I hope you’ll come see it in person!

What’s your signature touch in your home or your personal style?

All white backdrops (walls, sofas) with pops of bright, happy hues (pink, yellow, orange, Tiffany blue), gold accents, and lots of art. I particularly love photography and have the good fortune of being married to an incredible photographer, Fred Moser.

Together, we produce fine art photography under the label of Kelly & Fred that captures the intersection of playful glamour, color and charm. One of my favorite series is The Real Houses of Palm Springs, which highlights the colorful doors of Palm Springs, works of art in their own right. Those colors inspire my interiors and my fashion choices: bright, optimistic, playful!

Portrait by Daniel Collopy; photograph of space designed by Kelly for last year’s Modernism Week Showhouse by Fred Moser